Feast of the Archangels, Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel

Today is the feast of Archangels Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel, who are messengers of God.   We did a few projects to help commemorate their feast day.  See how we made them at the end of the post.

    

In the book of Revelation in the Bible it says that "war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon." In the end Michael drove Satan and his angels out  (Revelation 12:7-9).  The name Michael means "Who is like God".

St. Michael the Archangel, 

defend us in battle. 

Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. 

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, 

and do thou, 

O Prince of the heavenly hosts, 

by the power of God, 

thrust into hell Satan, 

and all the evil spirits, 

who prowl about the world 

seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

A story involving the angel Raphael is found in the book of Tobit.  You can read the entire story there, but basically God sent Raphael to Tobit, Tobiah, and Sarah.  Tobit was getting old and going blind.  Tobias was his son and Tobit sent him on a long journey to recover some of their money.  Sarah was a young woman who lived in the city Tobias was traveling to.  Raphael was sent to help Tobiah on his journey.  His name means "God is my health".  He is a patron of travelers, happy meetings, love, and against sickness.  Originally his feast day was October 24, but this was later changed when the church decided to celebrate the feast of all the archangels on the same day, September 29.  I had a special devotion to St. Raphael since I was younger and often prayed a special novena or prayers for his intercession in finding a future spouse since he is the patron of happy meetings.  My hubby asked me to be his girlfriend on October 24 (not knowing that this was his former feast day), and the rest is history.  It's the little details that make me smile.

St. Raphael Novena

(should be said for nine consecutive days)

Glorious Archangel St. Raphael,

great prince of the heavenly court,

you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace,

You are a guide of those who journe by land or sea or air,

consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners.

I beg of you, St. Raphael, assist me in all my needs

and in all the sufferings of this life,

as you once helped the young Tobias on his travels.

Because you are the medicine of God, I humbly pray for you to

heal the many infirmities of my soul

and the ills that afflict my body.

I especially ask of you the favor

(pause to make your request)

AMEN

The archangel Gabriel is most known for his appearance to the Blessed Virgin Mary announcing that she would be the Mother of God.  The story is found in the first chapter of Luke.  He also appears at other times in the Bible to various others like Zechariah and Daniel.  His name means "God is my strength".  His feast was originally March 24, but was later moved with the other archangels to September 29 as well.  He is a patron of communications workers (that would be my hubby's area!)  

O Blessed Archangel Gabriel, 

we beseech thee, 

do thou intercede for us 

at the throne of divine Mercy 

in our present necessities, 

that as thou didst announce to Mary 

the mystery of the Incarnation,

 so through thy prayers and patronage in heaven 

we may obtain the benefits of the same, 

and sing the praise of God forever in the land of the living. 

Amen.

I used a project that I came up with a few years ago and expanded upon it.  Here is the original project

We used a cotton ball to make white clouds on blue construction paper.  Using a paper clip, I made two small holes close together to put the pipe cleaner halo in later.  

Start gluing on the various pieces.  Feather angel wings, a cupcake holder gown, and a small circle for the angels's head.  Don't forget some googly eyes and a big smile.  

Put the pipe cleaner halo in place and you have a lovely angel flying in the sky

The next project was a simple one using a paper plate that I found on Pinterest here

We hung it in front of a
green piece of construction paper for added effect

I found a "stained glass" angel on Pinterest here.  

First cut out your circle with angel inside from black construction paper. We added the arms and sword to make it Saint Michael. Pretty awesome right?

Put contact paper (I just use clear packing tape myself) so that the non sticky part aligns with the best side.  Then let the kiddos cover the sticky side with colored tissue paper. 

Cover the tissue paper side with more contact paper (or tape) and trim the edges.  TA-DA!

Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, 

Pray for us!